Similac baby formula has not been taken off the market. While many baby formula manufacturers design the formulas to resemble breast milk, they still have severe side effects, like the risk of your child developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a disease that mainly affects the intestines of premature infants who are fed baby formula. The condition can be fatal. While some parents hold hospitals and medical care facilities responsible, others opt to sue the manufacturers of these products.
Similac Baby Formula Has Been Recalled in the Past
With various formulas on the market, it's still difficult to find the right baby formula that best fits your child's needs. Therefore, it's ideal to note which formulas are recalled and the reasons behind the recalls. In 2010, Abbott Laboratories, which makes and sells Similac, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA issued a recall of up to 5 million Similac powder infant formula cans.
Abbott stated that a small common beetle was found in the product, while the FDA insisted that consuming the beetle may cause adverse and fatal effects on the body.
Similac Recalls
In 2019, Congressional Reports showed that a lot of manufacturers were distributing products filled with harmful heavy metals. As a result, parents closely monitored the infant formula and baby food recalls. Here is a list of recalled Similac baby formulas from past years:
Similac TummiCare One Infant Formula
Abbott Laboratories, Inc., recalled Similac TummiCare One Infant Formula, in 2019 due to the preparation scoop size difference and the instructions label. However, the recall only affected products sold in the Philippines. While the product is safe to consume, the incorrect preparation might cause growth defects in your child.
Similac Powdered Infant Formula
As mentioned earlier, Abbott recalled Similac powdered infant formula in 2010. Several baby formulas had a remote possibility of contamination with larvae, full-grown adult, or small insect parts of the small common beetle.
Similac Special Care Ready-To-Feed Formula With Iron
Abbott recalled this Similac special formula in 2007 because of its much lower iron content than the actual concentration recorded on the label. The FDA stated that infants fed with this formula for more than a month were at a higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia.
Similac Alimentum
Abbott recalled Similac Alimentum in 2006 because the bottles lacked a layer that was supposed to keep the air out. The defect might have caused a decrease in the formula's Vitamin C content over time.
Similac Advance With Iron Liquid Ready-To-Drink
Also, in 2006, Abbott recalled this product for the same reason as Similac Alimentum. Some bottles missed a layer on the seal. The missing layers are meant to trap the air outside the bottle. Without the correct seal, a chemical reaction between the atmosphere and formula decreases the formula's Vitamin C content.
Similac Advance With Iron Formula Powder
In 2005, Abbott recalled Similac Advance with Iron Formula Powder due to possible contamination with the black polyvinyl chloride in plastic particles. The contamination occurred during manufacturing, but it didn't cause any severe health problems for its consumers.
What to Do When You Buy Recalled Milk Formula?
When you encounter recalled Similac baby formula, you should take several steps to protect your baby's health from adverse side effects. If you bought the product unknowingly, you should:
- Check out Similac's recalled products list to determine whether the product you have is safe.
- If the product is recalled, stop feeding it to your child and contact the manufacturer or store for a refund or replacement.
- Double-check the product code, batch number, expiration, or "use by" date.
- Call your doctor or pediatrician when your child shows any symptoms of gastrointestinal problems.
- Seek legal advice from a personal injury lawyer if your child suffered any harm due to the Similac baby formula since it has not been taken off the market.
Call Dolman Law Group for a Free Consultation
At Dolman Law Group, we offer free initial consultations, legal help, and a way forward to pursue legal action if using Similac baby formula has harmed your child's well-being. If seeking legal action is right for you and your family, we urge you to reach out to us as soon as you can. Florida limits personal injury lawsuits to four years, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), and two years for wrongful death lawsuits, per Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d).
We handle personal injury cases on contingency, which allows us to start on your case promptly. We will need the time to build a case for you, which includes reviewing medical records, and speaking with witnesses. A contingency agreement means we will collect attorney's fees only if we recover a settlement in your favor. This allows you to focus on your child's recovery while we handle your lawsuit. Call us at (727) 451-6900 for a free consultation. We're ready to help you.